Posted: 1/23/2022 11:01:14 PM EDT
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So I am finally able to afford to expand on my preparations. I have at least one secure pole barn on a handful of acres where my grandparents also have a house. I'm looking to stock a good back up cache. At least one .22 rifle will be kept there along with their own ammo/cleaning supplies/etc.... Food Water Clothing Hygiene First Aid On top of all this would also be plenty of spare AR stuff, loaded mags, batteries, basically refills for what I would carry on my belt or chest rig. Glock mags and ammo but not a ton will be stored on site...at first. I'm looking to make a trip to some large surplus shops and while I have my list for ME. I would like to be able to at least hook family/friends/team/strangers/whoever a dry pair of socks, boxers, pants, shirts I know ideally I would have everything I have for everyone but that is out of the question for now...but I seriously know the value of dry socks and boots What is a cheap or rather affordable general purpose boots, midwest here so plenty of mud, snow, etc... what should I look for or should I avoid the shop all together if there are better places. Most common foot sizes? What else should be considered if "entertaining guests" during a zombie takeover? I wouldn't mind looking into belt setups, multiple lengths and then just add pouches as needed or if I have them. |
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If people aren't willing to take care of themselves, why do you feel the need to take care of them? This is a ridiculous thread. If you read it objectively, it's not a serious thread. So I'm not going to pretend to treat it like it's a serious thread. ETA: most survivalists are nothing but hoarders looking for an excuse to hoard. If you have extra money invest it, pay off debt, and wisely use your money to provide for your family's security. Personal family financial insecurity is a million times more likely as a SHTF moment then societal collapse. Plan and act accordingly. |
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Quoted: If people aren't willing to take care of themselves, why do you feel the need to take care of them? This is a ridiculous thread. If you read it objectively, it's not a serious thread. So I'm not going to pretend to treat it like it's a serious thread. ETA: most survivalists are nothing but hoarders looking for an excuse to hoard. If you have extra money invest it, pay off debt, and wisely use your money to provide for your family's security. Personal family financial insecurity is a million times more likely as a SHTF moment then societal collapse. Plan and act accordingly. Nailed it. My others are family and friends that are contributing to the cause. |
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Great points. These responses remind me of the whole 'give a man a fish" adage. It's still a great site in the middle of fields with a couple houses down the road a ways. We keep the tractor and PTO stuff in there now but it's 3,000 sq/ft. that part of could be put to use. I'll just focus on the little bit of family I have left which is just my mother and grandfather. No kids, family has had a bad run with cancer and whatnot over the years, at one time years ago it seemed like my funeral suits never got put away. I have a couple friends, but that's it. Not looking to 'hoard' stupid things, I just don't want all my eggs in one basket should I ever have to leave my home and possibly not come back or not for a while in a disaster. This will make things easier when I shop for things. Getting a little side tracked here but just thinking about it, I really need to improve the first aid that's out there. With that tractor, hydraulics, pto shafts and blades. I'm usually out there by myself. I always have a FAK in my vehicles but I don't want to have to depend on that alone. Anyway, thank you all. A lot to think about for sure. |
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You have to change their mindset so that they want to buy that stuff on their own. Average bros don't want to spend money on "what ifs". They want immediate gratification or maybe if they're a bit wiser to invest in more likely to happen things like retirement. The best way to get other people into the prepared mindset is to get them into doing something that that is fun, offers entertainment, and is compatible with being prepared. Like get them into camping or off-roading, overlanding, going to the range and firearms. Train in martial arts, train protection dogs, get into competitive shooting...hell, play a lot of Call of Duty video games, whatever it takes and then you use those things as a gateway to get them to consider being more prepared. We shouldn't think of preparedness as just stockpiling massive amounts of stuff in our homes "just in case." There is soooooo much cross over of the items you can get for being prepared that can be used for fun normal stuff and "oh by the way happens to be handy for being prepared too." Using the stuff also has the dual purpose of not just having it, but knowing how to use it should something ever really happen. Mind blowing right? It's all possible though. OP has a picture that looks like he goes mudding. Great, what do you need for that? A good 4 wheel drive vehicle, some tow straps, maybe winch, maybe that leads to some radios, oh cool, maybe you stretch that into vehicle camping too (cool), now you get others to do that then add in some fun at the range with firearms, holy crap you've got some capable people now that can off-road, work on vehicles, have sustainment gear, and have firearms. Convincing them to keep a few weeks of food is all that is left for a pretty capable group of buddies. Bonus is we're having fun not just sitting on a pile of MREs and toilet paper in a home waiting for the zombie Apocalypse or some dumb shit. **Sidenote, there are no "general purpose" boots fit for four seasons in the Midwest my friend. Sorry the gear nerd in me had to point that out.** |
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Quoted: You have to change their mindset so that they want to buy that stuff on their own. Average bros don't want to spend money on "what ifs". They want immediate gratification or maybe if they're a bit wiser to invest in more likely to happen things like retirement. The best way to get other people into the prepared mindset is to get them into doing something that that is fun, offers entertainment, and is compatible with being prepared. Like get them into camping or off-roading, overlanding, going to the range and firearms. Train in martial arts, train protection dogs, get into competitive shooting...hell, play a lot of Call of Duty video games, whatever it takes and then you use those things as a gateway to get them to consider being more prepared. We shouldn't think of preparedness as just stockpiling massive amounts of stuff in our homes "just in case." There is soooooo much cross over of the items you can get for being prepared that can be used for fun normal stuff and "oh by the way happens to be handy for being prepared too." Using the stuff also has the dual purpose of not just having it, but knowing how to use it should something ever really happen. Mind blowing right? It's all possible though. OP has a picture that looks like he goes mudding. Great, what do you need for that? A good 4 wheel drive vehicle, some tow straps, maybe winch, maybe that leads to some radios, oh cool, maybe you stretch that into vehicle camping too (cool), now you get others to do that then add in some fun at the range with firearms, holy crap you've got some capable people now that can off-road, work on vehicles, have sustainment gear, and have firearms. Convincing them to keep a few weeks of food is all that is left for a pretty capable group of buddies. Bonus is we're having fun not just sitting on a pile of MREs and toilet paper in a home waiting for the zombie Apocalypse or some dumb shit. **Sidenote, there are no "general purpose" boots fit for four seasons in the Midwest my friend. Sorry the gear nerd in me had to point that out.** First, agreed, there is no great boot for everything in the Midwest which is also known at times for being the arctic tundra to under water, to no water, to hotter and more humid than MF VIETNAM! I have found Solomon boots do well for 'all around' but I also have mukk boots and other footwear. If I had to choose just one, it would be my Solomon's I used to mud a lot back years ago, pretty much all my friends that were into it got out of it or had kids and family took them another direction. I still have a good 4x4 compact truck and enough recovery gear for most every occasion except 'went off a cliff' in that case...get in, your shit's gone lol. I'm always the 'guy' that people come to even on camping adventures where folks bring plenty of good shit but I'm always the guy that has that convenient low lumen flashlight, headache/pain meds, multi tool, etc... Same can be said in everyday city life. I don't carry a bunch of stuff but I'm still the fukin' guy that always has a knife, multi tool, flashlight, pen, FML!!! You guys are right, I worked my ass off for my Eagle rank and working out in the field as a chemical applicator and electrician on pond and lake fountains and aerators and always was 'THE GUY' that stopped what he was doing to go rescue another employee with their treatment rig to fix it or un stick them because getting stuck was part of the job....most couldn't get themselves out if you gave them a pre wired winch and a land anchor and a tree saver and a book of instructions, they would still end up calling me. I love helping people but a very good buddy of mine started to find out there might be something to the whole "no good deed goes unpunished." Also, to be perfectly clear, I don't prep so much for 'zombies' or the fall of the damn gov't. I prep for stuff that can and has happened around here, making life easier, and some for complete loss of services. |
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This thread probably is better placed in the Survival Discussions Forum, and OP can request such a relocation, if desired. As I understand it, OP is planning ahead to cache some supplies at GP's place, in an out-building, whether for their use or his use is unclear. If that is so, then OP will need to store his supplies in vermin-proof containers, and far above any possible flooding. I suggest not storing any vermin-attractive items, such as food, or even leather, unless inside sealed metal containers. Assuming the storage area is not reliably heated, then temp-sensitive items are NOT suggested. If items are cached in an unattended out-building, which the GPs can't constantly monitor, then be prepared for theft. I suggest not storing or caching a firearm in a vulnerable location. |
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Quoted: If people aren't willing to take care of themselves, why do you feel the need to take care of them? This is a ridiculous thread. If you read it objectively, it's not a serious thread. So I'm not going to pretend to treat it like it's a serious thread. ETA: most survivalists are nothing but hoarders looking for an excuse to hoard. If you have extra money invest it, pay off debt, and wisely use your money to provide for your family's security. Personal family financial insecurity is a million times more likely as a SHTF moment then societal collapse. Plan and act accordingly.   On a serious note, helping your community is something that helps keep the wolves at bay. |
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Quoted: If people aren't willing to take care of themselves, why do you feel the need to take care of them? This is a ridiculous thread. If you read it objectively, it's not a serious thread. So I'm not going to pretend to treat it like it's a serious thread. ETA: most survivalists are nothing but hoarders looking for an excuse to hoard. If you have extra money invest it, pay off debt, and wisely use your money to provide for your family's security. Personal family financial insecurity is a million times more likely as a SHTF moment then societal collapse. Plan and act accordingly. |
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Quoted: If people aren't willing to take care of themselves, why do you feel the need to take care of them? This is a ridiculous thread. If you read it objectively, it's not a serious thread. So I'm not going to pretend to treat it like it's a serious thread. ETA: most survivalists are nothing but hoarders looking for an excuse to hoard. If you have extra money invest it, pay off debt, and wisely use your money to provide for your family's security. Personal family financial insecurity is a million times more likely as a SHTF moment then societal collapse. Plan and act accordingly. OP don't be out there playing Captain save a Ho. Make sure you have enough for you and your loved ones and that's it. if the locals can't be depended upon to TCOB when times are good they can't be depended upon when times are bad. |
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Moving this topic/thread into "Zombie" forum was a mistake, IMHO. Suggest Op contact the Mod (Hoplite?) moving this thread to an inappropriate forum, and politely suggest the Mod move this thread to "Survival Discussions" Forum. Moving this thread to Zombie forum makes NO sense. Moving this thread to "Survival Discussions" forum makes a LOT of sense. Mods make mistakes. Let's see how this mistake is handled. |
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Quoted: What else should be considered if "entertaining guests" during a zombie takeover? Quoted: What else should be considered if "entertaining guests" during a zombie takeover? Quoted: Moving this topic/thread into "Zombie" forum was a mistake, IMHO. Suggest Op contact the Mod (Hoplite?) moving this thread to an inappropriate forum, and politely suggest the Mod move this thread to "Survival Discussions" Forum. Moving this thread to Zombie forum makes NO sense. Moving this thread to "Survival Discussions" forum makes a LOT of sense. Mods make mistakes. Let's see how this mistake is handled. OP literally asked about a zombie takeover. |
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Quoted: Moving this topic/thread into "Zombie" forum was a mistake, IMHO. Suggest Op contact the Mod (Hoplite?) moving this thread to an inappropriate forum, and politely suggest the Mod move this thread to "Survival Discussions" Forum. Moving this thread to Zombie forum makes NO sense. Moving this thread to "Survival Discussions" forum makes a LOT of sense. Mods make mistakes. Let's see how this mistake is handled. Yeah. Not sure how this one ended up here. Sending to Survival. |
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Quoted: OP literally asked about a zombie takeover. Quoted: Quoted: What else should be considered if "entertaining guests" during a zombie takeover? Quoted: Moving this topic/thread into "Zombie" forum was a mistake, IMHO. Suggest Op contact the Mod (Hoplite?) moving this thread to an inappropriate forum, and politely suggest the Mod move this thread to "Survival Discussions" Forum. Moving this thread to Zombie forum makes NO sense. Moving this thread to "Survival Discussions" forum makes a LOT of sense. Mods make mistakes. Let's see how this mistake is handled. OP literally asked about a zombie takeover. |
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Good on you OP. But don't, preparedness is a life boat. You have a finite amount of space in that boat. In that is the ability to save a finite number of souls. There should hopefully be some wiggle room. But you can't save everyone. Set your limit and exceed it, your boat with you and yours in it will sink. That is a sad truth, except it. |
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Sounds like this thread must have started in GD due to the number of stupid juvenile responses. Hopefully the OP can get more useful information here. I wouldn’t place a high priority on equipping other people but wouldn’t discount it. Clothing….probably not. Not sure how one would predict clothing sizes for people unless you specifically find out the sizes worn by people you plan to equip. I think I would stick to non size dependent items that you can use yourself if needed since in my case at least me and my family come before others. However, I wouldn’t discount helping others. Many survivalists/preppers think they will be a lone wolf in SHTF scenarios or end of the world scenarios. If that’s you, you won’t make it. Survival takes teamwork. I don’t think the OPs idea is bad but his plan might need to be rethought a little. |
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For a moment at the start of the thread I was like damn, SF has become a harsh fucking crowd... Then I see it was moved a couple times and makes more sense. OP the SF is the best place for this as we tend to have a bit more of a survival/ prepared/ self reliance mindset. I wouldn't focus so much on obscure things for unknown person use as I would for yourself or someone specific. If you are going to stash a pair of boots in your cache stash something that fits you, that is broken in and you know works. Worst case someone can use them even though they aren't a perfect fit but better than nothing. I also wouldn't go to heavy on extra stuff, but more specific stuff that will work for you, when helping others. Think a basic go bag or kit that is specific to your needs, stuff you could use at that location in the case of an emergency. Until others are on board you are a lone wolf and no amount of extra stuff will change that unfortunately. |
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We stock clothing, medications, fuel & equipment for our farm & family. We also stock some items for trade or to be given as gifts within our community including food. In our case, we are planning on having a central location used for limited distribution of food & supplies. This is to help the local community to have a central place to direct people to, to reduce theft & fraud as well as to help homeowners from being pressured into giving what they need for themselves. Individuals / groups stopping at individual houses are to be discouraged. I believe we are headed for a time of high inflation, and the resulting loss of jobs & production, as well as a worldwide rejection of the US dollar.. I am part of my local community and really would have a difficult time letting people starve - even if it is their fault for not stocking up. I know I can not help everyone. I also know I would find it difficult to allow others to starve while I set on multiple years of stored supplies. I am also aware of the lengths people will go to when they are hungry. I guess I will see how bad things become. Personally I am expecting hard times rather than Mad Max. |
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I wouldn't stock random sized stuff. Only shop for people you know and you know would be there. After that, stock items useful to everyone (food, shelter, tools, etc). ...unless you have other uses for stock (eg. your business stores excess stuff in a good location, as you rotate through inventory) |
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Quoted: Sounds like this thread must have started in GD due to the number of stupid juvenile responses. Hopefully the OP can get more useful information here. I wouldn’t place a high priority on equipping other people but wouldn’t discount it. Clothing….probably not. Not sure how one would predict clothing sizes for people unless you specifically find out the sizes worn by people you plan to equip. I think I would stick to non size dependent items that you can use yourself if needed since in my case at least me and my family come before others. However, I wouldn’t discount helping others. Many survivalists/preppers think they will be a lone wolf in SHTF scenarios or end of the world scenarios. If that’s you, you won’t make it. Survival takes teamwork. I don’t think the OPs idea is bad but his plan might need to be rethought a little. I admit, I have been gone from ARFCOM for quite some time. Come to find out, when you've worked in a gun shop and around people that love guns as much as you...I avoided the internet. 9 hours in a gun shop can and usually is 9 hours of the worst GD can throw at you, I didn't want more. I do and will continue helping others even if it kills me, unless the person or persons literally have no chance as I see it or if I would make more of a liability than an asset. That said, I'm not looking to make my house or pole barn a FOB in a disaster. After reading my OP and logical responses, I am just going to keep up on preps for myself and family in the house. Normal stuff, meds, first aid, weapons, ammo, training/mindset and go from there. If crazy crap happens and I'm able to toss a friendly stranger a spare mag or something or hook them up with something simple, cool. If you think about it, a lot of us already have our own FAK, but most show off their med kits for treating others....why? Why bother putting your life at risk and bust out you super awesome kit with TQ's, gauze, etc... to save someone else? What are you stupid, now you are going to have to get the person stable, out of harms way, back to somewhere safe. Why the hell go through all the work if it doesn't concern you? If this sounds absurd, sorry, they should have invested in their own FAK. I know there is a difference between combat medicine and having different sizes of stuff for others but there is some overlap. I'm just realizing from the responses, stuff like that would be wasting money rather than just continuing stocking what I already do and adding a few extra things. Thanks for the responses. They have been very helpful. Also, to whoever called me out on zeds, number one your sense of humor is 90 years old and....zombies are no laughing matter, ARFCOM agrees, there's a section and everything so [insert long farting sound made with tongue and lips like a child would do.] |